Prison Support - HMP Huntercombe

Role overview

This position is for an Operational Support Grade at HMP Huntercombe within His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). The role plays an important part in keeping daily prison operations running safely and efficiently.

What the job involves

You will be part of a collaborative team handling a wide range of duties, including security checks at the gate, searching, managing incoming deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone activity and CCTV. The work is active and varied, combining desk-based tasks with physical duties such as lifting, carrying, and walking across the prison site to escort vehicles.

Working location and travel

Some prison sites are in rural areas with limited public transport, so having a driving licence and your own transport can be helpful, though it is not always mandatory unless specifically stated. Shift start and finish times are fixed, so it is your responsibility to arrive on time for every shift and plan your travel accordingly.

Licence requirement

Applicants must hold a full, valid UK driving licence that includes category D1. This category permits driving vehicles with up to 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres, and a trailer up to 750kg.

Who this role suits

No formal qualifications are required. This role may suit someone who communicates clearly, stays composed under pressure, uses sound judgement, and works well as part of a team. It is a fast-moving role that can offer a strong starting point for a career in the prison service.

Shifts and contact with prisoners

You will work a mix of shifts, including weekends and nights. Compared with prison officers, your interaction with prisoners is limited, though you may have occasional contact depending on the establishment.

Career development

The role provides practical knowledge of prison operations and may open pathways to other prison service positions, including the OSG to Prison Officer conversion route.

Training and benefits

You will receive training and access to development opportunities. In addition to base pay, the package includes annual leave, bank and public holidays, apprenticeship access, and a range of civil service benefits.

Additional terms and benefits

• Annual leave starts at 25 days on appointment and rises to 30 days after 10 years of service, calculated pro rata.
• You will also receive 9 days of bank, public, and privilege holidays.
• There is access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
• Benefits also include the Civil Service pension scheme, season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Salary

The advertised salary is £29,432.